Coincidental occurrence of endometrial hyperplasia with atypia and vaginal leech infestation in a postmenopausal woman: a rare case report

Background: Postmenopausal bleeding is a common gynecological complaint with multiple etiologies, ranging from benign to malignant conditions. Leech infestation of the female genital tract is a rare cause, particularly in rural regions with exposure to natural pooled water sources. Clinical presentation: We report a 50-year-old postmenopausal woman who presented with a 1-week history of vaginal bleeding. Ultrasound evaluation revealed a thickened endometrium (20 mm), and histopathology confirmed endometrial hyperplasia with atypia. She underwent total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Unexpectedly, persistent postoperative vaginal bleeding revealed a live leech attached to the vaginal vault, which was removed successfully with saline irrigation and forceps. Clinical discussion: The coexistence of both conditions poses a diagnostic challenge, as one condition can obscure the other. Leech attachment causes prolonged bleeding through its anticoagulant secretions, and its presence should be suspected in women from rural settings. A careful speculum examination remains crucial even when another etiology has been established. Conclusion: This case illustrates a rare coexistence of two distinct causes of vaginal bleeding: endometrial hyperplasia with atypia and vaginal leech infestation. In women from rural areas with exposure to contaminated water, clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for leech infestation even when another cause of bleeding is established.